Samson had a very comfortable routine. Early in the morning, between 4:30 and 5:30 AM,he liked to walk over the heads of the people in the big house. Purr time they called it. During purr time, he moved from one head to the other purring loudly. Then he would stand near someone and push with his paw at the covers.

The master and mistress thought that he wanted to get under the covers with them, but they finally discovered he really wanted them to pet him. Back and forth, back and forth he went searching for a limp, half-asleep hand.

After that bit of fun, it was time to meow at the bathroom door while someone showered. It made no difference whether cats were on the inside or outside of the door-the object of the game was to meow. Next, everyone traveled to the kitchen. Amy watched and blinked, but Samson paced back and forth on the counter yowling for treats.

After they ate their treats, the kitties moved into the day's activities. They enjoyed the games of In and Out the Door, Chase Each Other, Catch a Fly, and Sleep in the Clean Laundry. They both enjoyed their full and very delightful day.

Samson and Amy really had a splendid life. There was plenty of food, plenty of love, plenty of warmth. Even the children were a part of their good times. They were older children, the kind who knew how to gently handle lovable kitties.

When company came, the kitties' lives were more than a little upset. It lasted three whole days and two nights. Samson felt terror because of That Little Girl.

Samson and Amy needed good places to hide. That Little Girl frightened Samson terribly. He feared that she would grab his skin and to carry him off to some deserted corner.

This three-year-old child wanted to love the kitties. He thought she thought a kitty was just like a stuffed toy. She might treat him as if he were one. She may even think that a beautiful tail was an excellent handle.

Samson was so upset that he even stopped purr time. Each morning he waited by the back door ready to make his escape. Maybe he went somewhere fun to forget.
Amy knew good places to hide and sleep in the house. Amy's age gave her wisdom. She was not even afraid to take a nap in her favorite chair occasionally. If the child bothered her, off she slipped to a secret part of the house.

Samson, however, sneaked out the door into the pasture where no one could catch him. He chased mice, then, forgetting about the company, trotted to the door to come inside. As he crossed the threshold, fear spread over his face when he saw his enemy. The poor kitty was spent a great deal of the three days outside, and he was not very used to that much cold fresh air.

Finally, one day, the company said goodbye. That Little Girl found Amy in the rocking chair in the living room. She gave her a gentle pat and a kiss. She found Samson in the bedroom. He curled up on the bed behind some clean folded clothes. He only opened one eye when she stroked his silky fur and whispered to him that she loved him.

As the company went out the front door, Samson washed his front legs. He thought that That Little Girl might not have been so bad after all. He assured himself that he had handled the whole situation very well. However, if company comes again, Samson will run for cover.

Learn more about this author, Karen Appleby.
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